\Count"te*nance\ (koun"t?-nans), n. [OE.
contenance, countenaunce, demeanor, composure, F. contenance
demeanor, fr. L. continentia continence, LL. also, demeanor,
fr. L. continere to hold together, repress, contain. See
{Contain}, and cf. {Continence}.]
1. Appearance or expression of the face; look; aspect; mien.
         So spake the Son, and into terror changed His
         countenance.                          --Milton.
2. The face; the features.
         In countenance somewhat doth resemble you. --Shak.
3. Approving or encouraging aspect of face; hence, favor,
   good will, support; aid; encouragement.
         Thou hast made him . . . glad with thy countenance.
                                               --Ps. xxi. 6.
         This is the magistrate's peculiar province, to give
         countenance to piety and virtue, and to rebuke vice.
                                               --Atterbury.
4. Superficial appearance; show; pretense. [Obs.]
         The election being done, he made countenance of
         great discontent thereat.             --Ascham.
{In countenance}, in an assured condition or aspect; free
   from shame or dismay. ``It puts the learned in
   countenance, and gives them a place among the fashionable
   part of mankind.'' --Addison.
{Out of countenance}, not bold or assured; confounded;
   abashed. ``Their best friends were out of countenance,
   because they found that the imputations . . . were well
   grounded.'' --Clarendon.
{To keep the countenance}, to preserve a composed or natural
   look, undisturbed by passion or emotion. --Swift.